Go "ALL IN" with New Recycling Program starting April 7

Are you ready to go all in with your recycling efforts in 2014? Exciting changes are coming that will make recycling in Saint Paul easier than ever before! Beginning April 7, 2014, residents can take advantage of single-sort recycling, begin recycling additional plastics, make plans to attend a cleanup event and drop off their source-separated organics at one of five Saint Paul locations.

Declining recycling numbers, wavering participation and changing demographics are just a few of the reasons why the City partnered with Wilder Research Foundation in 2012-13 to conduct a comprehensive assessment about  residential solid waste and recycling programs and services. The research found that Saint Paul residents wanted:

·         The ability to recycle more plastics

·         Recycling to be more convenient

·         More opportunities for composting organic materials

·         More options for handling bulky waste items

City officials listened to what residents had to say and committed to implementing new initiatives around this research. A plan is in motion to make these improvements over the next three years.

BEGINNING 2014

Single Sort Recycling
As of April 7, residents can put all recyclable materials into one bin – separating is no longer required!

More Plastics Accepted

As of April 7, residents can add #1, #2, #4, #5 and #7 plastic containers to their blue bin or collection cart. This means, in addition to plastic bottles, yogurt, butter and produce containers, transparent deli and “to go” containers can also be recycled with Saint Paul’s residential recycling program. 

Citywide Community Cleanup Events Opportunities
The City is coordinating six “Citywide Community Cleanup Events” in 2014. These events will give residents an opportunity to dispose of items such as furniture and construction materials and recycle items like mattresses, appliances, electronics and scrap metal. Plus, residents may donate usable household items for reuse. All Saint Paul residents are welcome. Date, time and location information is available at stpaul.gov/recycle. Volunteers are needed.

Organics Drop off Locations Available

As of April, source separated organics will be accepted at the four local Ramsey County Yard Waste Site locations during regular site hours. Visit stpaul.gov/recycle for details. In addition, the Macalester Groveland Community Council hosts a drop off location on Grand Ave.  To register and find more information, visit macgrove.org.

Go “all in” and reduce, recycle and compost with the City of Saint Paul in 2014! Learn more at stpaul.gov/recycle and stay tuned to learn about even more exciting changes coming in 2015!